Warm floor water or electric in the apartment. Floors with heating mats

Warm floor is modern system, providing uniform heating of the air due to installation under flooring. Heating residential buildings in Russia using this innovative technology began relatively recently, but many people have already appreciated the high level of comfort and positive impact on health.

The question of which heated floor to choose is faced by every owner who has decided to supplement or replace the traditional radiator heating. There are two types, which are distinguished by the type of heating element. You can decide which is better: water or electric, by analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as taking into account the characteristics of the room, the specifics of heating installation, and calculating the costs of purchasing and maintaining different system options.

Water heated floor

The heating element is hot water. The source of liquid supply is central heating or a gas boiler. The pipeline and mixing unit are the main components of the structure. Flexible pipes of small diameter made of cross-linked polyethylene or metal-plastic are suitable for installation. A unit consisting of a pump, manifold and mixer is necessary to regulate the temperature of the liquid.

It is characterized by a number of advantages, thanks to which it becomes a rather popular heating system:

• Fire safety.
• Energy saving.
• Long service life. With high-quality installation and corrosion-resistant pipes, it can last for several decades.
• Can be installed under any floor covering.
• Possibility of autonomous use.
• Complete replacement of the radiator heating system. This floor is an alternative to standard thermal supply. It can be used as an addition to existing heating devices and act as an independent structure.

However significant shortcomings limit the possibilities of application:

• Labor intensity of work. Consists of insulating, heat distribution materials and pipeline cores. Installed on a level, carefully prepared base. Labor costs are ultimately paid off by the economical operation of the heating system. However, installation costs are definitely higher compared to electric floors.
• Possibility of fluid leakage.
• Possibility of use exclusively in the private sector. The supply of water from central heating in apartments is prohibited, since a decrease in pressure in the pipes threatens the uninterrupted heat supply of the entire high-rise building. Even if the housing is equipped gas boiler, installation requires special permission. Coordinating it is quite problematic due to the risk of leakage.

Average cost (including installation costs, materials and equipment) square meter is in the price range from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.

Electric floors

They are characterized by the supply of thermal energy by heating elements directly to the floor covering, this is both a plus and a minus. Positive features include: constant temperature, quick heating of the entire surface, installation in any room with wiring. The disadvantages are high costs energy, incompatibility with certain types coatings, the need to take into account the placement of furniture during installation. Electric floors are convection (mats, cables) and infrared (film):

• Heating mats are a mesh into which a special heating cable is glued. The mats are laid over the entire area and reinforced with a layer of tile adhesive. Such a warm floor is suitable for tiles, as well as laminate, parquet, linoleum and others.
• Cables are laid in cement-sand screed. This option is ideal as an additional heat source for children's rooms and bedrooms. Installation is carried out in uniform zigzags and can be done in rooms of any configuration. The design is characterized by low cost; the power of the selected system will depend on the density of the coils.
• The infrared method is a thin film with heating elements. This is the most environmentally friendly and low-cost type of electric underfloor heating. The film floor is laid on the base without additional labor-intensive cement work. “Dry installation” is ideal for laminate or linoleum. Please note that this option is not suitable for ceramic tiles. Purchase and work will cost on average from 400 to 2,000 rubles/m2.

Having rationally analyzed all the features, we present the main recommendations for buyers.

Criteria:

• type of living space: apartment or a private house;
• heating system: gas boiler or centralized;
• properties of electrical wiring - is it able to withstand increased load;
• type of flooring.

The first step is to determine the purpose of the structure: for main heating or as an addition. It is better to heat rooms only with underfloor heating in well-insulated buildings.

For owners of private houses, a water-based design is ideal - it is economical, convenient, and suitable for any surface. Apartments can be equipped with electric floors, but you should take into account the properties of the wiring, which must withstand increased load. If you choose a heater for the bathroom, preference should be given to a convection heater, since its system is most suitable for a small area, and it can also be easily installed under ceramic tiles. For laminate, it is better to use infrared film type: it is safe, economical and perfectly warms up rooms.

Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it makes no sense to definitely recommend a specific option. You should take into account all the above nuances so as not to make a mistake in your choice. Proper selection and high-quality installation of a suitable type of underfloor heating will create tangible comfort in your home.

Articles

Warm floors are one of the most effective ways heating the air in the house. If constant heat comes from the floor, the room warms up evenly and there are no cold spots left in it.

Warm floors warm the air well and increase the degree of comfort. However, the question often arises: which heated floor is better - or, and what to choose for your home.

In the climatic conditions of our country, especially in the north, warm floors still cannot completely take over the heating function. However, their use makes living in the house more convenient.

If heated floors are used as the only heating option, then water (hydraulic) systems are more often used.

Warm floors can be installed under all floors or in separate rooms of the apartment:

• in the nursery;
• in the hall;

For separate placement of heated floor areas would be better suited electrical system.

Types of heated floors

Underfloor heating systems differ in the way they deliver heat under the surface. For this, electric or.

Electric heated floors

Electric heated floors are divided into 2 more types: film and cable. The advantages of using this technology are ease of maintenance and the ability to individually control the heating temperature.

The advantages include the following factors:

• do not dry out the air in the room;
• do not burn oxygen;
• prevent the formation of mold and fungi;
• create a good microclimate (warmth at the feet and fresh air at the head);
• maintain the set temperature;
• suitable for different designs, as they do not take up space in the interior space;
• safe to use;
• reliable, convenient and durable.

For these reasons, all types of heated floors are popular among consumers. The disadvantages include the difficulty of troubleshooting problems that arise.

Design of different systems

The coolant in water heated floors is water. It circulates through pipes laid inside. Supplied from central water supply or from a specially constructed riser.

The functionality of a water floor improves with use, which provides required pressure for circulating water through pipes. Reduced pressure reduces the efficiency of the system. When the pump is not in use, the pipes are laid at a slope to ensure natural circulation water under the influence gravitational forces. The hydraulic system can be used as an air conditioner in summer. To do this, just pour into the pipes cold water and turn on its pumping.

In electrical cable systems The floors are heated using flexible electrical cables located inside. They convert into heat, warming the materials around them. Heat is transferred to the floor surface. In this case, minor electromagnetic radiation occurs.

It operates on several different principles. It produces infrared energy using electricity. It differs in that it is capable of warming not only objects and materials in contact with the surface of the film. At the same time, walls, furniture, and curtains are warmed, which provides more heat.

The role of the emitter in the film system is played by strips of carbon paste applied parallel to each other or in the form of curved lines. In more expensive models, the paste is applied completely.

A film heater can work like... Small models are attached to the underside of the carpet when it gets cold and then removed.

Installation location

Water heated floors are prohibited from being installed in apartment buildings. The reason for the ban is the high probability of damage to pipes due to high pressure and low quality of water used. For the same reason, they cannot be built on loggias and balconies. The use of water heated floors in apartment buildings worsens the quality of heating for apartments not equipped with this system. The water cools more than under normal operating conditions, and the temperature in the heating pipes of other consumers drops. It is advisable to install in interior spaces private houses.

Electric floors have no restrictions on installation location. However, they are limited in area. If you combine several systems into one, then heating costs will be quite high. The cost of electricity is constantly rising. This must be taken into account when choosing heating systems that use electricity.

Features of installing different systems

Installation of a water heated floor is more complex and time-consuming than an electric one. It requires major construction work. Installation can be done in finished housing, but the best option- during the construction of a house. The underfloor heating system is laid down in the design documents.

The installation procedure is as follows:

• the base of the floor is insulated;
• access to central water supply is provided;
• in the absence of a central water supply, install autonomous system water circulation (it includes a heating boiler, a water pump, a manifold cabinet with supply and return pipes, various couplings and connections);
• thermostats are installed;
• a water pipe system is installed;
• the system is fastened with a cement screed (3-5 cm layer). The screed must dry. This takes about a month. After this, you can make the top coating and begin operating the system;
• It should be taken into account that before starting work on installing a water floor, you should get rid of the previous floor covering and screed, if any.

After all work is completed, the floor will be raised to a height of about 10 cm. The entire system is quite heavy, so in some cases approval and special permits are required.

The work of installing an electric floor requires much less effort.

The procedure is as follows:

• level the floor surface;
• lay waterproofing;
• lay the heating cable, heating mats or infrared film;
• install thermostats (they are included in the kit);
• arrange the upper surface of the floor.

Screeding and installation of additional devices for electric mats and film heated floors are not required. Installation can be done independently, without the help of specialists.

Before laying an electric heated floor, decide in advance on the placement of furniture and large household appliances. Bulky objects placed above heating cables will cause the system to overheat. Heat loss in the room is uneven: it is greater near the walls and near the windows. Due to the design and location of electric heating elements, “cold bridges” are formed, where heat enters in very small quantities.

Types of top coating

After installing a heated floor, you should correctly determine the type of surface covering. The following coatings are commonly used in modern housing:

• parquet;
• carpet;
• laminate;
• linoleum;
• ceramic or tiles;
• Self-leveling floors.

The most suitable of them are tiles and self-leveling floors. They have good thermal conductivity and do not deform when heated. But under them it is better to use water floors or electrical systems with flexible cables. A screed device or laying of an insulating solution is required.

The remaining coatings must be selected depending on the type of heated floor used. Parquet over electric floors quickly dries out and its appearance deteriorates. With water-based floors, parquet drying also occurs, but more slowly. For both types, it is better to buy uninsulated linoleum to ensure good heat transfer. For this purpose, carpet should be chosen with short pile. It is best to lay a film electric floor under laminate and linoleum. The insulating layer will be foamed polyethylene, which is placed under the top surface.

Cost-effectiveness of different systems

It is impossible to say unequivocally which floor, electric or water, will be cheaper. On the one hand, the installation of water pipes, water supply systems and supply valves is more expensive than the installation of electrical cables, mats and films. This work is also more labor-intensive and requires the work of specialists.

Installing electric floors is easy to do yourself. But the process of operating water heated floors is much cheaper than constantly using electricity to heat floors. In addition, residents are not limited in the arrangement of furniture and do not have to worry when choosing the top floor covering.

When thinking about which heated floor to choose, you need to take into account the area of ​​the heated surface. IN small rooms and indoors, installing a water floor is impractical. The high labor intensity and expense are only justified if they are installed over large areas. To heat the floor of small rooms, it is better to use electric heated floors.

The amount of heat transfer from different floor heating systems

It is impossible to say unequivocally that any of the heated floors is warmer and which is better. If installation and installation are done according to all the rules, heated floors of any type are capable of producing the maximum heat for which they are designed. It should be taken into account that electric floors heat the surface more evenly and constantly.

In water floors, the liquid inside the pipes is constantly moving, in some places it is hot, in others it cools faster or slower. Therefore, in hydraulic systems the surface is heated unevenly and gradually. With certain pipe configurations, the most uniform heat distribution can be achieved. But physical properties water should be taken into account when installing a water heated floor.

A new offer has appeared on the market - electric-water heated floors. They combine positive traits two considered floor heating technologies and are free of their disadvantages. Operating principle: sealed plastic pipes contain an electrical cable that heats a special liquid. It differs from water in its properties, boils faster and heats floors better.

Which of the proposed systems should you prefer? Which heated floors are better? Which one is warmer, which one is more profitable? These questions interest every person before installation in the house new system heating. In each individual case, the answer will be different: it all depends on the conditions of the premises, on the costs planned for installation and subsequent maintenance.

Most often, the installation of heated floors is not carried out independently, but certain specialists are invited to do this. In order to control the quality of execution, it is necessary to have minimal critical knowledge in this area.

So what do you need to know?

First of all, decide on the type of heated floors. They can be of two types:

Where to use which and why?

Warm floors as the main and additional view heating is most often used:

• in a country cottage or dacha

• in an apartment in a multi-storey building

In a private house, you are your own boss and are free to choose any type, option and any heating scheme. There are no restrictions here. But in the apartment, nuances and restrictions already appear.

Choosing a heated floor in an apartment in a multi-storey building

In the apartment it can be taken from two sources:

The radiator heating system is inconvenient for two reasons:

Accordingly, your heated floors will be most stand idle for years.

First of all, it's not cheap. And secondly, it takes up significant space in the room.

Theoretically, it is possible to connect, but it is necessary to ensure a sufficiently low temperature for heated floors. A direct connection will be accompanied by temperatures of 70 degrees or higher, and this will simply overheat the floor covering.

The second option for hot water supply is even worse. Since unauthorized extraction of heat from hot water supply systems is prohibited.

You will not be able to legally register your connection in any authority. And if such a fact is revealed during an inspection, you can easily run into a fine. Plus they will force you to dismantle everything at your own expense.

Therefore, water heated floors in apartment building Most competent specialists do not recommend installing:

• heating systems are uncomfortable

• from DHW it is impossible

You can, of course, come up with an autonomous container with water, but do not forget that the rules prohibit placing “wet zones” above the living quarters of neighbors. And a water heated floor will be considered such a zone. Unless you live on the ground floor.

The only option left is with electric heated floors.

But if you have a private house, then there is already a richer choice. You can stop at electric heating, and on water. But what is better to choose?

2 factors for choosing heated floors

Many people in this situation still make their choice in favor of water heated floors. This is explained by the fact that people are afraid of influence electromagnetic radiation on the body, which electric heated floors allegedly have.

Meanwhile, all manufacturers have long been required to have certificates and papers confirming the safety of their products. And all heating cables are shielded.

If we take into account how many WiFi, GSM and other networks there are around us, then electric floors are not the biggest evil. However, this does not convince the majority that they are right.

In their opinion, this may also be suitable for the bathroom, but if this is the main heating in all rooms, then any headaches or illnesses will automatically be attributed to electric heated floors.

Water heated floors are absolutely harmless.

Well, the second one important point– this is the absolute maintainability of water floors anywhere. Moreover, you can do such repairs yourself, at home.

If the heating cable of an electric mat is damaged, you will have to either rip off the entire tile and replace it entirely, or call specialists with equipment to burn through and find the short circuit with a thermal imager, followed by installation of couplings.

Moreover, the search for some accidents, even for them, can cause certain insoluble difficulties.

Therefore, safety and maintainability are the two factors that incline many people to choose water heated floors as the main source of heating. The electric option remains only as an additional heat source.

But here are the factors that can scare away water heated floors:

Need a boiler mixing unit, collector and much more, which electric heating can easily do without.

• constant audit work

Water replacement, scale on heating elements, pump breakdowns, leaks from low-quality pipes. In short, many installers with water-based floors earn many times more, and not only during their installation, but also during further maintenance.

Naturally, it is beneficial for them to convince their clients about the dangers of electricity and heated floors based on them.

Personally, your choice should depend on two variables:

• budget for installation and necessary subsequent maintenance

If there are no problems with this, then go to the store for water floors.

• lack of prejudice and faith in modern technology

If this sounds like you, then an electric heated floor is exactly what you need.

Electric heated floors

The two most popular varieties are:

Infrared film

What should you pay attention to when choosing infrared film?

It is a sheet with soldered copper conductors. Between them, with a very small gap, current carbon tracks are laid, which are the heating element.

First of all, look at your contacts. They must be soldered.

If they are made with pistons, such a connection is extremely unreliable. Excessive heating will occur here, creating a potential fire area.

The film acts as a separator between the base of the heated floor and the decorative coating. Therefore, it cannot be laid where the screed will be poured.

It will not fit under tiles. But it fits perfectly:

• under the carpet

• linoleum

If you lay a heating cable under the same materials, then due to the distance between the turns (laying pitch) you will clearly feel the boundary between heat and cold - a thermal zebra.

The film heats the entire surface evenly. True, some are afraid that with such heating of the laminate, harmful substances will be released from it. And therefore you need to buy a special product labeled “for heated floors.”

This is wrong. The sun heats up laminate flooring much more when it shines directly through a window. And nothing harmful is released.

There are also concerns about dry air and dust, which warm floors inevitably raise. Here everything depends not on the heating operating mode, the presence or complete absence of radiators in the rooms, but on ventilation.

Provide a regular supply fresh air, and there will be no problems. And if you block all the windows, then even with the central heating radiators you will be suffocated.

Approximate calculation of electricity consumption when heating a house with film heated floors:

Heating cable and mat

Where is the best place to use a heating cable? Where you have a minimal screed, or tiles with glue - i.e. kitchen and bathroom.

As a rule, after completion of the work by the builders, there can be no talk of any full-fledged screed. The maximum you have left is 5-6cm.

If it’s even less, then the choice is clear – only a heating mat. It can be laid directly into the layer of tile adhesive.

The disadvantage of an electric heated floor is that in addition to your room, you will also warm the ceiling from below. You will also heat your neighbors at your own expense.

You have a warm floor, they have a warm ceiling.

Comparison table for the efficiency of heating cable and film infrared floors:

Compare current prices for heated floors with heating cables or mats and infrared film, as well as their components are possible.

Water floors

A pie with water floors should ideally look like in the following way:

• pipes with coolant are mounted on this surface

• then the cake comes with an adhesive layer and a tile or other covering

The approximate thickness of the entire slab is 130-140mm. Under this condition, all the heat will be spent on your room, and not go downstairs.

Mistakes and rules when installing heated floors

1 Do not use foil as insulation. thin materials(3-4mm), penofol type.

They last for a maximum of 1 season, or even less. Here is a visual video experiment of what happens with such foil insulation.

Don't waste your money. Moreover, without reinforcement thin screed, as a result of the destruction of foil insulation, subsidence and cracking of the floor covering may occur.

The best solution is to use extruded polystyrene foam with a density of 35 kg/m3 or multifoil as insulation.

The basis of multifoil is air pockets in the form of tablets or pimples. They are very durable and you can’t just crush them.

You can safely walk on them for as long as you like. Moreover aluminum coating applied with reverse side, i.e. It is not possible to damage or corrode it with a screed.

2 Be sure to use edge insulation.

This is a kind of damper that is laid along the perimeter of the slab with a heated floor. It is necessary to compensate for the expansion of the screed, which inevitably occurs when it is heated.

If this is not done, concrete screed will run up against the walls and she will be left with two options, either break these very walls, or break herself. When pouring, the edge of the damper film should be higher than the screed, then the excess is cut off.

3 If you have a large pouring area (more than 20 m2), it must be separated with compensation tape.

Since all the expansion during heating of such a concrete layer, flanging alone cannot compensate.

4 The warm water floor coil must be made from a single piece of pipe, without joints.
5 Never use compression fittings, i.e. those connections where there are nuts and threads.

None of this should end up in your screed.

6 If the customer and contractor are poorly versed in preparing solutions, then the recommended height of a full screed should be 85mm or 7cm from the top wall of the heating element.

This thickness of concrete will help save you from cracking even with not very high-quality cement.

In addition, 85mm helps with striping (thermal zebra). And lastly, this is the inertia of such a screed.

If your energy source is electricity, at night, at a cheaper tariff, you can “overclock” the heated floor and not turn on the boiler all day. The stored heat should be enough until the evening.

This heating mode costs approximately 3 times less than usual.

7 Don’t skimp and add a special plasticizer for heated floors to the screed.

Ultimately, you need to get concrete that can easily withstand temperature deformations.

8 Reinforcement is done as a last resort.

First of all, when you are forced to fill in only 50-60mm of screed instead of 85mm. But this should be avoided if possible.

9 There is no need to cut any holes in the substrate down to the concrete base, supposedly for high-quality adhesion.

Even if this coupling occurs, everything will come off when the plate is first heated. The heated floor slab, figuratively speaking, should “float” without connection with the base and the walls.

10 You cannot fill the solution with empty floor pipes.

The system must be filled and the pressure must be 3 bar. This is primarily due to the need to preserve the geometry and shape of the pipe. Without pressure inside, it is easy to crush.

Heated floors make your home more comfortable conditions than a traditional heating system. The air is heated evenly, energy is used rationally, and more space appears due to the absence of batteries or convectors. All heating elements are located under the floor covering, which means there is no risk of getting burned hot radiator, makes cleaning much easier. The installation of such a system can be ordered from specialists or done independently if you have the relevant experience, but the main thing is to decide what exactly you need - electric or water heated floors?

Electric or water heated floor - which one to choose?

It is impossible to say unequivocally that one system is better than another, because the effectiveness of each of them depends on many factors. Only after studying in detail the conditions of installation and operation of both types, their pros and cons, will you be able to choose the most best option for your home. So, what are heated floor systems?

Electric heating systems are divided into film and cable.

The first option is a flexible thin sheet of special polyethylene with heating elements hermetically sealed into it. Thanks to its very simple design, anyone can install a film floor by just reading the manufacturer’s instructions. But only a qualified electrician should connect the system, despite the safety and simplicity of the device. The film floor is laid on a flat, insulated surface under the floor covering, without filling with screed or self-leveling mixtures. The temperature is controlled using a thermostat, and the connection is made to a regular electrical network with a standard voltage of 220 V.

Index	Meaning	Dimension
Specific power consumption	170	W/m2
Width of thermal film CALEO GOLD	50	cm
Maximum length of one strip of thermal film	10	linear m
Melting point of thermal film	130	°C
IR heating wavelength	5-20	µm
The share of IR rays in the total spectrum	9,40	%
Anti-spark mesh	+	-
CALEO GOLD 170 W. Price	1647-32939 (for sets from 170-0.5-1.0 to 170-0.5-20.0)	rub.
CALEO GOLD 230 W. Price	1729-34586 (for sets from 230-0.5-1.0 to 230-0.5-20.0)	rub.

Cable electric floor is a cable system with reflective thermal insulation, installation tape and electronic thermostat. When installing, first lay the insulation with the foil facing up, then attach the mounting tape to it, and the cable is mounted on the tape. The thermostat is placed on the wall, the ends of the cable and the sensor are connected to it. After this, the heating elements are filled with screed or self-leveling compounds.

Water floor

The water floor system consists of metal-plastic pipes, a control unit and a boiler. The heat is regulated both automatically and manually, thanks to the presence of a thermostat and a thermostatic mixer in the system. The water supply is carried out from a riser or from a central heating system. Laying is done on an insulated, leveled surface, and the heating circuit is filled with screed on top. Installing a water floor requires appropriate skills and should therefore only be carried out by specialists.

Technical features of heated floors

Electric floor

In such systems thermal energy is transferred from the heating elements to the floor covering, thereby ensuring uniform heating. Warm air rises up and the system does not overheat. In such conditions, the heated floor will work without failure for years. If furniture is placed above the heating elements, the heat transfer will be disrupted, and the cable will heat until it burns out. As soon as one of the cables burns out, the entire system stops working. That is why, when installing an electric floor, they draw up a diagram of the location of heavy objects and bypass these areas.

Estimated energy consumption per 1 m2 of heated area ranges from 100 to 200 W, depending on the quality of thermal insulation and type of flooring. In fact, no more than 40% of the specified volume is consumed, and in some cases only 15-20%. The better the insulation of the home, the lower the electricity consumption. Electric floors are convenient to use for heating verandas and balconies, bathrooms, bathrooms, due to their ease of installation. It is not practical to lay a water circuit there, and it is not always allowed.

To the advantages electrical system can be attributed:

• Possibility of installation without special equipment;
• uniform heating of the surface;
• the ability to regulate the temperature separately in each room;
• absence of batteries, convectors and other volumetric elements;
• if the system fails, you can find and repair the damaged area without dismantling the entire screed;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• presence of electromagnetic radiation;
• increase in energy consumption.

According to SNIP, the level of radiation from electric floors is much lower than the maximum permissible level. A two-core cable emits less radiation, a single-core cable emits more radiation, film floors practically do not emit them. Therefore, although there is still a small amount of radiation, electric heated floors cannot cause harm to health.

Water floor

Installing a water heated floor is a labor-intensive and very responsible process, but as a result, all efforts pay off in heating efficiency. Thanks to the circulation of water, thermal energy is distributed more accurately, and overheating of individual areas is eliminated. In addition, operating costs are significantly lower than those of an electrical system.

Advantages:

• uniform heating of large areas;
• costs only for installation of the system;
• energy savings;
• no batteries or protruding elements.

A water heated floor can completely replace a traditional heating system, stably warming living spaces to 20-24 degrees. In addition, you can install the heating circuit so that the main heat transfer is at external walls and under the windows, and the area in the center of the room warmed up less.

Flaws:

• high risk of damage to communications when pouring screed;
• large floor thickness;
• high loads on floors;
• the need to use a pump when the pressure in the system decreases;
• the need for special permits for installation;
• impossibility of repairing individual sections when the system fails.

In addition, the water passing through the heating circuit returns to the system already cooled, and the owners of the remaining apartments do not receive enough heat. In new buildings this problem is eliminated with the help of specially designed risers, but in other buildings permission from the relevant authorities is required, which is not always possible to obtain.

Options for optimal use of heated floors

Based on the characteristics of underfloor heating systems, we can identify the main situations for the effective use of both types.

Electric floors

Warm electric floors are installed if:

• you need temporary heating of a toilet, bathroom, veranda or balcony;
• an addition to the main heating system is required;
• there is no way to execute capital works on floor installation;
• the apartment is located in multi-storey building and install water system forbidden.

Water floors

Installation of water floors is justified in the following cases:

• the heating floor system is used as the main one;
• Additional heating is required for the entire area of ​​the apartment or house.

Under what coverings can a heated floor be laid?

To maximize heating efficiency, it is necessary to choose the right floor coverings. Materials that are too dense, coatings on an insulated substrate or with low thermal conductivity will retain heat and contribute to overheating of the system. You should also take into account the resistance of the material to temperature changes, because some coatings dry out and become deformed when heated.

Infrared heated floor under laminate

At proper styling and using the appropriate coating, both types of underfloor heating work perfectly. In order not to make a mistake when choosing, you need to carefully weigh and analyze everything. For example, installing a water floor will cost more during installation, but will allow you to save a lot in the future. When laying a film floor, you do not have to dismantle the old floors and make a screed, which is also important for the family budget.

Electric Floor Comparison Chart

Signs	Film heating	Cable heating
Utility room	No need	No need
Floor thickness with screed	5-10 mm	50-100 mm
Installation time	1 day	1 day
Ready for use	Straightaway	28 days
Installation options	Floor, ceiling, walls, any surfaces	Floor. Installation on other surfaces is possible, but difficult
Reliability	If even a significant part of the system is damaged, undamaged segments continue to operate	If the cable is damaged in any way, it completely fails.
Repair costs	Minimum	Highs, 100%
Service	Not required	Not required
Freezing in winter	Absent	Absent
Health effects	Positive healing	Neutral subject to high-quality two-core cable
Heat distribution and impact on coatings	Uniform heating	Uneven temperature distribution, there are zones of increased temperature
Zoning		Possibility of organizing separate spot zones
Expenses	Relatively low initially. Energy saving	Relatively low initial, operational - according to the meter

Video - Electric or water heated floor

Water or electric heated floors are successfully used as an alternative to centralized heating of premises. Paradoxical as it may seem, but for the right choice Between them, you need to evaluate many different parameters: efficiency in certain conditions, safety and ease of use, level of financial costs and much more.

Water floor heating system - efficient and practical

We know from history that underfloor heating technology is far from new. It was actively used in ancient baths. To do this, channels were installed in the floor through which hot steam was passed.

Modern hydraulic systems horizontal heating has become widespread due to the introduction of new standards with increased requirements for heat loss and energy efficiency. The principle of operation of the complexes is quite simple - a circuit of pipes is installed under the screed or floor covering, through which the heated coolant is released. According to SP 41-102-98, the temperature of water or its substitute should not exceed +55 °C (at centralized system heating reaches +75 °C). If this parameter is observed, the average floor surface temperature required by SNiP 41-01-2003 is easily maintained - up to +26 °C for rooms with constant occupancy.

Even at such low rates, during system operation, heat is actively radiated vertically to the ceiling. In this case, practically no convective flows are formed, and top part the rooms do not overheat. This helps reduce heat loss through roofing and ceiling areas, and creates comfortable conditions in the room. temperature conditions for those present.

Despite its apparent simplicity, water floor heating is a rather complex multi-component complex. Therefore, we will study its features, advantages and installation rules.

Characteristics of the liquid heating system

The modern design of a low-temperature water heated floor consists of the following elements:

When installing a hydraulic underfloor heating system in apartments and private houses, it is prohibited to connect it to a centralized system without prior approval from the relevant management organizations or housing and communal services authorities.

A very important issue is the cost of the complex. The most expensive items are the distribution unit and the boiler. They account for up to 50% of total costs. But in addition to the main set of equipment, which includes up to 40 different items, the kit includes a considerable number of small parts, as well as auxiliary materials, such as:

• bulk mixtures, beacons, fittings for forming screeds with a thickness of 4 to 10 cm;
• hydro- and heat-insulating products or special ready-made modules For low temperature systems heating from PSB, EPS, chipboard and the like.

For the most accurate calculation of the cost of the system, as well as thermal and hydraulic parameters, it is best to use the services of specialists at points of sale. This advice is not a marketing ploy. The calculation is influenced by many various factors. Even such seemingly minor ones as:

• installation location (private cottage house, office center, apartment complex);
• characteristics of enclosing structures that affect the level of heat loss (wooden or stone structure, presence of thermal insulation, unheated room under the ceiling, etc.);
• the type of pipes used and their laying pattern (single or double snake, loops, spiral);
• type of temperature control in the system (manual or automatic);
• And so on.

Another slightly less effective calculation option is free programs on manufacturers' websites, such as Valtec Prog, Raucad/Rauwin Rehau, Uponor HSE and others. It is better not to use online calculators on third-party resources, since their capabilities are much more modest, and the error rate is several times higher.

Average calculations based on 2017 prices show that developing a project for an underfloor water heating system for an apartment or private house with an area of ​​about 60 m², purchasing the required equipment, full installation and connection will cost 1800–3300 rubles/m². That is, approximately from 108,000 to 198,000 rubles.

Please note that the above figures do not take into account operating costs. Many customers, due to inexperience, forget to calculate them. But in vain, because the profitability of the installed complex depends on them. While using the system, it is necessary to pay for the coolant, periodic maintenance and repair of individual units and components, as well as fuel for the boiler. That is, electricity or wood, coal or natural gas. The latter, according to reviews from users and experts, is the cheapest available to consumers. Annual fee for gas fuel for a room of 60 m² will average about 20,000 rubles. Heating using boiler equipment running on natural gas is recognized as the most economical option horizontal system heating

Pros and cons of water heating

Manufacturers of heating systems claim that the main advantage of low-temperature kits is energy efficiency. This is achieved due to several factors:

1. Reduced costs for heating the coolant to temperatures from +35 to +45 °C.
2. Reducing the average indoor air temperature by 1–2 °C.
3. Implementation of heated floors special kits automatic self-regulation. For example, when the set temperature in the room is reached, the system turns off temporarily.
4. Use of modern heat generators of the highest energy saving classes A, A+, B+ and A+++ (according to ELD 2010/30/EU).

Experts have calculated that when using a water heating system, operating costs are reduced by 10–30% compared to the costs of centralized radiator heating or electric floor heating. The savings are especially noticeable when using gas boilers. For comparison: at current prices in the Russian Federation, electricity is more expensive natural gas 4–8 times, and liquid and solid fuel– 2–5 times.

In addition, water systems have the following advantages:

• Compatibility with any floor coverings: tiles, natural stone, parquet, laminate, linoleum, etc.;
• Two installation methods (wet or dry), suitable for private and apartment buildings, commercial and public buildings;
• Approval for use in any houses, including log houses, frame or monolithic buildings, standard buildings made of brick, concrete and even open areas;
• Possibility of choosing energy resources - solid or liquid fuel, gas, electricity, alternative sources;
• Comfortable and uniform heating of the entire floor area, regardless of the presence of heavy interior items or equipment;
• Safety in operation;
• Maintainability;
• Durability and reliability of factory complexes.

Now let's look at the disadvantages of a water heating system:

• A labor-intensive and expensive process when using wet installation.
• High cost of the kit.
• Complex and costly repair of damage under the screed.
• The heat generator and other key components require periodic maintenance.

Features of installation of water systems

The most common technology for installing underfloor heating is the installation of monolithic floors using the “wet” method from cement-sand or concrete mortar. The method is used in buildings made of any types of building materials (concrete, foam concrete, brick, wood, etc.), but provided there is sufficient bearing capacity power elements. The work is carried out in 6 stages:

In addition to the “wet” installation method, there is a so-called lightweight option designed for wooden houses and buildings with weak load-bearing structures or low ceilings.

Logs are installed on the plank subfloor, between which insulation is laid. A floorboard is mounted on top, onto which 25 mm thick slats are nailed at intervals of 2 cm. Fixation tracks are inserted into the gaps, designed to evenly distribute the generated heat in the horizontal direction. The contours of the system are placed into the plates and snapped into place. The pipes are closed at the top plastic film, and then - GVL sheets in 1 (for laminate, parquet, linoleum) or 2 (for ceramics and porcelain stoneware) layers.

The dry method of installing a water heated floor means high speed of work, 6–10 times less load on the floors, an acceptable thickness of the structure of 35–55 mm, and quick commissioning. Of the minuses, we note more high cost and 10–12% less heat transfer under similar starting conditions.

Electrical systems – technologically advanced and safe

Heated floors powered by electricity are constructed on almost the same principle as water floors. A heating cable in a heat-resistant braid is laid under the floor covering or screed, which, when turned on, warms the floor surface.

Advantages of electric underfloor heating:

1. A variety of types of systems for any base (concrete, wood, chipboard) - cable, rod, film.
2. No need for additional heat generators (boilers, heat pumps and etc.).
3. Uniform heating of the entire floor. Maximum efficiency is achieved when the area of ​​the kit covers 55–70% of the surface.
4. Can be used as primary or additional heating in dry and wet rooms (baths, laundries, saunas, swimming pools).
5. Intuitive controls and reliable automation.
6. Quiet, partially repairable.
7. Variable thickness of the floor structure depending on the selected type - from 1 to 7 cm.
8. The average service life when using high-quality components is at least 10 years.

Let us also identify the disadvantages of the system:

• Dependence on the availability of electricity. If the area experiences periodic power outages or constant voltage fluctuations, then this type of floor heating is undesirable.
• Repairing a damaged or dysfunctional area will require dismantling the floor and possibly the screed. This is especially problematic if there are tiles on the floor.
• The safety kit has high requirements: compliance with dust and moisture protection standards GOST 14254-96 (IP code), the presence of an RCD, equipment with automatic equipment that provides protection against overheating, etc.
• Permanent electromagnetic radiation.
• When designing, areas occupied by stationary furnishings - refrigerators, bathtubs, toilets, massive furniture, etc. - are excluded from the heating zone.

Scheme of a warm floor with an RCD.

We will separately consider such a parameter as the cost of electric heating. For the owner of a 60 m² premises, developing a project, purchasing the required equipment and components, as well as installing the system will cost from 1,600 to 3,000 rubles/m². That is, in the amount of 96,000 to 180,000 rubles. Operating costs (payment for electricity) for the same premises for a year at 2017 prices will be approximately 44,000 rubles. These figures, of course, vary depending on the region and the selected tariffs.

Thus, in order to save on heating costs with underfloor heating, you will have to take measures. In particular, reduce the heating temperature by 1–2 °C, install self-regulation controllers, set various modes for day and night, etc.

Manufacturers of floor coverings such as laminate, linoleum, parquet, and parquet boards do not recommend installing electric heated floors underneath them. However, this is only true for cable products. Electrolux, Devi/Danfoss, Daewoo and other factories offer so-called soft heat systems. Let's take a closer look at all types of electric flooring.

Cable underfloor heating - a heating classic

This standard option main and auxiliary heating of premises for various purposes. Includes:

• single- or double-core cables, which are sold in so-called sections;
• thin heating mats, which are a synthetic heat-resistant mesh on which a heating wire is attached in coils.

Sectional electric underfloor heating and heating mats.

The first ones are essentially coils of special cables in a heat-resistant braid. The length and linear power of products vary; the installation kit also requires a thermostat, floor temperature sensors, a special mounting tape, a corrugated tube, as well as everything necessary to form a floor structure: primer, thermal insulation, screed mixture or tile adhesive, floor covering.

According to the instructions, installation is carried out in the following order:

The section cable can only be used concrete base in combination with products made of ceramics, porcelain stoneware, natural and artificial stone. It is not recommended to install this type of heated floor under linoleum, parquet and laminate.

Some manufacturers also offer a solution for wooden bases - “dry” installation on special mounting sheets in combination with floor and air temperature sensors. This system allows you to lay laminate, parquet boards and other floor materials on top of the structure without a dividing screed. In this case, the cable is used with a power of no more than 10 W/m, whereas with conventional installation - from 12 W/m and above.

A successful analogue of classic cable heating is heating mats. Manufacturers offer a wide range of:

• with adhesive textile base;
• on a stretchable mesh, allowing products to be laid in rooms with complex geometry;
• with zones with different heating intensities and much more.

Installation of mats is carried out under a wet or dry (prefabricated gypsum fiber board) screed, as well as in thin layer tile adhesive with a minimum level of floor lift.

Infrared heated floor - an alternative solution

An excellent “soft” analogue of cable heating is a film mat. It is the thinnest (up to 0.5 mm) film, which ensures uniform heating thanks to carbon strips soldered into its structure at a distance of 5–10 mm from each other.

A special advantage of this type of electric heated floor is its easy installation and dismantling. Infrared mats can be installed directly under laminate, parquet or engineering board without screed device. When working with soft rolls flooring materials(linoleum, carpet) the product is covered with thin sheets of chipboard, OSB or mounting MDF.

To install film heating on a flat base, you need to lay a heat-reflecting substrate, unfold the carbon mats, connect the sections, connect the thermostat and temperature sensor. After this, the serviceability of the system is checked and the flooring can be laid. When working with tiles, you must be careful, as laid mats can easily be damaged.

You cannot install warm film products under stationary objects - furniture, household appliances, bath, etc.

Since the infrared floor has low power, it can only be used as additional heating. It is often installed in damp rooms, but if the product is of poor quality, the system quickly fails.

Rod heated floor - from simple to complex

This is a variety infrared heating, which is a kind of “ladder” of parallel heating carbon elements. The rods are connected using flexible wires.

The advantage of this type of floor is that it is not afraid of overheating, that is, the product can be installed under stationary furnishings. Not suitable as main heating due to low power. Although it is often used to heat tiles, due to moisture entering, individual sections can fail.

Installation method carbon mats classic - under screed or tile adhesive. You need to lay a heat-reflecting layer with lavsan coating on the floor, unroll the carbon mats, secure with tape, form a connection between all sections and connect to the thermostat and temperature sensor. Next, a screed with a thickness of 2 cm is poured over the installed heated floor or tiles are installed with appropriate glue. To ensure at least minimal adhesion of the cement mortar to the base, the manufacturer recommends cutting “windows” in the spaces between the rods.

Rod heating can be used in combination with any floor covering - laminate, ceramic or porcelain tiles, carpet, linoleum, parquet boards and even cork. Installation in damp rooms is undesirable, as contacts may fail due to moisture.

Let's sum it up

Above we examined in detail the most common options for horizontal heating. For clarity, let's compare them in tabular form.

Table 1. Comparison of water and electric heated floors

Characteristics	Water heating system	Electric horizontal heating
Suitable premises	Any.	Cable sections – any. Heating mats and films are dry.
Acceptable type of flooring used	Tile, porcelain stoneware, wooden flooring, linoleum, natural and composite stone, carpet, cork, laminate, linoleum, parquet board.	Cable sections – tiles made of natural and artificial stone, ceramics and porcelain stoneware, carpet. Heating mats and film - any type of floor covering.
Degree of installation complexity	At wet method- difficult. When dry – medium.
Permissible thickness of the entire structure	6–20 cm	3–15 cm
Installation and commissioning time	2–28 days	2–28 days
Maximum circuit power	120 W/m2	140 W/m2
Use as a heat source	Basics.	Cable sections and mats are the main thing. Heating carbon mats and films – additional.
Life time	10–30 years	10–25 years
Approximate installation price per 1 m2	1800–3300 rub.	1600–3000 rub.
Approximate operating cost per year per 1 m2	330 rub.	730 rub.

In fact, any of the systems is effective enough to complement central heating or replace it completely. Which ones to install, water or electric floors – the choice is ultimately yours. But first, decide on the energy source and calculate all costs, including operating costs. And most importantly, do not skimp on components. Otherwise it will just be money thrown away.

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